Anderlecht-Genk match to be replayed in its entirety due to VAR mistake

The article discusses the decision by a football disciplinary body to order a replay of a match between Anderlecht and Genk in the top tier of Belgian football due to a misapplication of the laws of the game. The ruling came after a VAR error led to confusion during the match, ultimately resulting in an incorrect decision by the match officials.

The incident at the center of the controversy occurred during a penalty phase, where Genk’s Yira Sor followed up on his teammate’s missed penalty to score a goal. However, replays showed that Sor was inside the penalty area when the penalty was taken, and two Anderlecht players had also encroached into the area. This should have resulted in Genk’s penalty being retaken, but the match officials instead awarded Anderlecht a free kick. Anderlecht eventually won the match 2-1.

Initially, Belgium’s refereeing body ruled that the match would not be replayed, but Genk appealed the decision to the Disciplinary Council for Professional Football, which overturned the decision. The Council ruled that the match should be replayed in full due to the misapplication of the rules during the penalty phase.

The decision to replay the match has implications for the teams’ standings in the Belgian Pro League, with Anderlecht trailing Union St.-Gilloise by eight points and Genk in third place, 13 points behind the leaders. The ruling has sparked interest and anticipation for the replay of the match, with both teams eager for a resolution.

Overall, the article provides insight into the importance of upholding the laws of the game and the impact of VAR decisions in football, contributing to a deeper understanding of the sport’s regulatory framework and its impact on competitive matches.
On January 26, 2024, a football disciplinary body made a ruling regarding a match in the top tier of Belgian football between Anderlecht and Genk. The ruling states that the match will be replayed in full due to a VAR error that led to a misapplication of the laws of the game. The incident occurred in the 23rd minute of the match when Genk’s Yira Sor followed up on teammate Bryan Heynan’s missed penalty to score beyond former Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who had saved the initial spot-kick.

The replay showed that Sor was inside the penalty area as Heynan struck the ball, prompting the VAR to recommend that the goal should be ruled out. However, it was also revealed that two Anderlecht players had encroached into the penalty area, which should have resulted in Genk’s penalty being retaken according to the laws of the game, rather than the match officials’ decision to award Anderlecht a free kick.

Anderlecht went on to win the match 2-1 via a 91st-minute goal from Anders Dreyer on December 23, 2023. Belgium’s refereeing body initially ruled that the match would not be replayed, deeming the incident as a VAR error rather than a misapplication of the laws of the game. However, Genk appealed the decision to the Disciplinary Council for Professional Football, which overturned the refereeing body’s decision and ruled that the match should be replayed in full.

In a statement, Genk shared, “The Disciplinary Council for Professional Football has ruled that the Anderlecht – KRC Genk match at the end of last year should be replayed.” The club also expressed hope that a new date for the replay would be arranged soon. Anderlecht currently trails Belgian Pro League leaders Union St.-Gilloise by eight points, while Genk, who are in third place, are 13 points behind the leader.